[arnvald]

I worked at 2 dysfunctional companies and the most valuable thing I learned from it is never to work at dysfunctional company ever again.

I might have a different definition of a dysfunctional place though - for me it's a place that works against me and my productivity, a place where I have to go through a number of hoops in order to do the job I was hired to do. And let me tell you, by the time I made it through all these hoops I was so drained of energy I lost all the passion and will to continue

[larrymyers]

I've worked at many dysfunctional companies, and the most valuable things I learned is that all companies are dysfunctional and you need to find the one where you can thrive despite the dysfunction.

Now, that being said, find a company where your role is valued because it is directly tied to revenue generating activities for the company. Don't be in a support role. (This isn't novel advice.)